Cupping massage — also known as cupping, acupressure cupping, and cupping therapy — is an alternative therapy that has many benefits for massage clients. It can move/drain stagnant fluids, relieve inflammation, lift/stretch soft tissues, separate fused tissues, release/soften scar tissue, and open/activate the body’s drainage system. These effects can be useful for many clients whether they are seeking massage for relaxation, injury treatment, or recovery from sporting activities. At our Lacey massage clinic, cupping massage is one of the many modalities we offer.
Your licensed massage therapist may suggest cupping for a number of reasons. For those seeking relaxation, cupping can loosen areas chronically tensed due to stress or repetitive tasks such as talking on the phone, lifting/carrying heavy objects, standing/sitting/driving for extended periods, etc. Cupping can also loosen tissues to help correct postural imbalances that cause stiffness and pain.
In cases of chronic and acute injuries, cupping massage can help reduce inflammation that causes pain and stiffness, loosen scar tissue, and reduce trigger points and adhesions that limit strength, range of motion, and flexibility. It can also be a much lighter-feeling treatment for those who are already in pain and unable to take the pressure that a traditional deep tissue massage can require.
For athletes, cupping massage works to reduce recovery time after events. It can also be used to treat injured areas, improve client range of motion and flexibility, and compliment maintenance work done by a licensed massage therapist or bodywork professional during athletic training.
There are several conditions for which cupping can be helpful. These include but are not limited to asthma, fatigue, rheumatism, pneumonia, insomnia, high blood pressure, chronic headache pain, anxiety, neuralgia, fibromyalgia, cellulite, poor circulation, menopause, lymphatic toxicity, Parkinson’s, lymphedema, scoliosis, IBS, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, TMJ dysfunction, arthritis, and bursitis. If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, consult your licensed massage therapist as to how cupping may help you.
Conversely, some conditions make cupping a partial- or complete-contraindicated therapy. Among these are low blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy, varicose veins, lesions, skin eruptions, bulging discs, clients taking blood thinners, and clients with computer/electrical implants such as pacemakers or insulin pumps in the case of cupping with magnet therapy. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and clients who are curious/concerned that they have a contraindication should consult their licensed massage therapist before cupping therapy is applied.
The use of cupping as an accompanying therapy to traditional massage should be discussed fully between client and therapist prior to use and as needed throughout treatment. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us on 360-951-4504. Alternatively you can book in for a cupping massage session here in Lacey by clicking here. We at Warwick Chiropractic & Massage in Lacey, Washington look forward to seeing you on our tables!